The best places to find Android apps for BlackBerry OS 10.2.1

So you're finally updating to an official version of OS 10.2.1. It's been a long time coming, but for those of you who waited it out without installing a leak, I applaud you. Now you can take advantage of all of the great features that OS 10.2.1 has to offer including OTA installs of Android applications (APKs).

Unlike before when you had to run though a lengthy process of converting and sideloading Android apps, OS 10.2.1 now lets you install them right on your device with just a few taps — no computer or additional software is necessary. You can use pretty much any APK you can get your hands on or you can hit up one of the many Android app store clients that are available on BlackBerry 10. Just keep in mind that some apps work great, others not so much.

Where do I find Android apps?

If you happen to have an Android device, you can use an app like App Backup and Restore to export your own APKs. This only works for free apps, but it's super simple. Just install the app on your Android device, back it up and export it by email, Dropbox etc. Open it on your BlackBerry and install. Done.

You can also hit up one of the many threads in the CrackBerry forums (like this one) where there are plenty of APKs already available for the taking. Load them up on your BlackBerry and install. Most of the ones posted in the forums have been tested already so you know they're good to go.

Perhaps one of the best ways to get Android apps is through one of the many clients available for BlackBerry 10. There are quite a few third-party Android app stores available, all of which let you browse, download and install the APK files with little effort.

How to Install

If downloading a file from your device, when it's complete just tap the file in the downloads view and then tap install to begin. If you're transferring the APK files to your device, use the File Manager to locate the APK then tap it to open and tap Install to begin.

Go get some!

So long story short — there are a bunch of ways to download Android apps to your BlackBerry running OS 10.2.1. You can load them yourself, track them down in the forums or use a third-party store client. No excuses — get out there and make the most of your new OS!

I already try to search everywere but i can´t find any particular user having my problem.

I have Os 10.2.1.2102.

I can install small android apps from Snap, 1mobile or appstore. But wen i try to install big games, like Need for speed or any big game, it only download a small amout of it, for install and after instalation, he try to conect to download the rest (the big amout of the file) and every single game say, can´t stablish conection or can´t find server, or need google acount, etc, and it won´t download the rest of the game so it can be played.

I have a google play acount, and all my emails on blackberry z10 are from google.

Does anyone know how to solve this? What i need to do more, or install more, so it can donwload the rest of the games ????

I have a BlackBerry ST 100-1 and after the upgrading of 10.2.1-537 my BlackBerry is crazy, the battery life just 3 hours or less, I've never seen this! Am so angry because it charges rapidly and discharges faster too, a total madness, and also gets hot in all ways possible :-s

I'm trying to run some apps and I keep getting an error saying: Google play services are required. Anyway to get around this? I tried clicking outside the dialogue box with the error message but it doesn't work all the time for other apps like a Apsault 8. :/

you need the google store and google services apks. plus more apps seem to work from 1mobile market you should be useing that with snap on the side. if you cant find them i have the bar files to sideload in and the apks you need to get alot of apps working just tweet me @jpreziose and ill help you out if you still need it.

so i am not tech savy so i dunno how to do this!
can someone please guide me and help me down load the Amazon App Store and Snap APK Downloader detailed video would be great or step by step ( think ABC for kids when you are describing)

For those of you interested, we have created a store that only contains working and tested android apps and games, this also includes the obb files(extra data that is sometimes needed) which is automatically placed in the correct folder when you download the app, a feature unique to aptoide. Our store works within aptoide as a custom repository.

You can get our store by downloading Aptiode and adding bb10store.store.aptoide.com under the stores tab in the app. All our apps have been tested and are all working, we also take requests for uploading any app or game you may need or want to the store, this can be done by requesting your app on this page:http://forums.crackberry.com/android-apps-apk-files-f413/bb10-store-apto...
If you need more info please refer to the thread as well.

Just noticed in App Manager, there is a new setting called Installing Apps. Looks like you have to turn it to on, to allow downloads from other sources than Blackberry World. I'm still having issues, but at least it says "Initializing" as opposed to just "processing."

Oh, and the file now says .apk on the icon. Hopefully this helps others.

Updated to 10.2.1 official pushed by a Norwegian carrier. Adjusted the setting - app manager - allow apps from bla bla bla. Restarted the device and tried to download both the appstore from amazon and 1mobile market. Nothing works - Just show an endless screen of 'processing' Only thing that has changed is that a few old apps dont work (Snap etc) Getting bloody tired with this crap-phone. After every update it's rendered useless,,

I've just loaded up 1Mobile to my Z30 which delivers quite a comprehensive list of apps, I must admit I didn't choose a BlackBerry with the intention of loading Android apps but it's a nice option to have especially for those users out there that complain BlackBerry World being short of apps............

I had the same problem. I had side loaded an unlocked runtime previously and when I checked after the 10.2.1 update I found that it had not updated the runtime. I dug out the updated runtime and android shell files for the update (using Sachesi) and side loaded them onto the BB, then restarted. Everything is now working fine.

Anyone know if amazon has the latest working Instagram? Or which one of these sources is recommended for that particular app. P.S. I have Igrann and it's amazing, but always like to have the original for backup.

Any one try it to install all the related APK in order to make Google Play work directly in the Z10? as an example, like Bluestack (Android in Windows and Mac PCs) before did not have support, now Google Play work good.

You may have noticed there is no mention of the Android apps in the press release, etc. re 10.2.1. They hope to say more in a few weeks once they have figured out a legitimate way to have a "store" application available to all users for installing apk files with no complications of installing, say, Snap or Amazon Store.

I'm not sideloading anyways, never intended 2. Still have an android device around somewhere i hardly use but all my BB apps are native. Got already more than enough apps which satisfy my needs 3 times.
Beside that, most of them will look horrible on a Q10 screen.

I've sideloaded an unlocked Android runtime after 10.2 and now I can't install any apk files..
I think that is the reason all my android apps are not working (and neither do new APK files)
i will do a clean install and see if it works. Apparently update does not touch my current Android runtime..

I dont know it is just me, but all .apk file when i select stay "procesing" and dont appear the option to install, in last version i install Android runtime unlock, this new version install a new android runtime? i have to do something else?

Appears to be a big problem for a few meaning that others with the same problem will also find that their other "android apps" are no longer working. Skype, ebay, and kijiji are amongst previously installed apps that have stopped working on my Z10. This is frustrating for those of us who have held out and avoided downloading leaks because of potential issues. Its not the end of the world and hopefully a fix will come about soon.

Nothing is working with me :/ I download snap and when I open it from the file manager it won't open (unable to open file) what should I do?? And amazon didn't work out too!! I switched the allow thing from the settings ON and still won't work.

Does anyone know if there will be issues with Android apps accepting keyboard input for us Q5 and Q10 users? Like do they only work with on-screen keyboards? Or will we be able to install the Google keyboard now?

Still miss my Torch and having both keyboards, maybe I'm too old-school but I wish they'd make us an OS 10 slider.

When I downnloadd any app from apktrain, the file downloads but it says unable to open file (im on the latest updat 10.2.1 using a q10). I tried downloading bookmyshow and justdial apps. These apks are available and can be downloaded but its not installing

Sometimes I just flick, peek and flow for no reason, you gotta admit the feel is awesome and futuristic!

I tried both Snap and Droid stores and by far Snap is the easiest for me. Droid just kept saying updating and in the meantime I side loaded Snap and downloaded a few apps, no issues. Only Snap for me! :)

Just to echo other postings in this thread, I too am having trouble directly installing APK files. Long story short, I have downloaded the Amazon app store APK (tried storing it on both the media card and device) and have tried installing it, but it remains on the "Processing" screen and does not move forward.

To clarify, I HAVE enabled in the app monitor settings to allow for other app installations outside of app world. I ALSO HAVE done a battery pull reboot but to no avail. And NO this is not an app I had previously.

You can go to the Amazon website, download the Amazon App store app. This will install any app from Amazon onto your BB10. Its like having an alternative to BlackBerry World on your BB. I just installed Netflix from amazon app store. Works great.

I prefer 1Mobile because it notifies when an app needs update and now it gives you the option to update the app. Previously, it wouldn't give you the option to update an app if the app is already installed.

That sounds very cool. Unfortunately, I worry about the safety of APKs downloaded from 1Mobile. It may very well be a safe place to download from, it's just that we know very little about the people who run 1Mobile.

I thought it would be pretty straightforward but it appears you still have a few hoops to go through, what is the guarantee you would not crash your system, or brick it, I think that is too much of a risk to undertake to be honest, I understand many have installed and went through the procedures, but I need my phone, and bricking it is not in my best interest

Doesn't sound like you've put much effort into it. You are NOT going to brick your phone. And getting the Amazon App Store couldn't be any easier unless somebody else downloaded and installed it for you. Is that what you're wanting? To be spoon fed?

Hello .
For the record .
Is it safe to download apks on our devices ?
Has blackberry said this in the new version ?
Cause downloading apks on our devices it gives permission to everything, and you can't disable anything .
Is this safe ?
I really need to know .
Thank you

I enabled the Allow apps for other sources to install option and downloaded a few apks from SNAP, and when trying to install one of the apks, it stays on the processing screen.... I even restarted my z10.... any other suggestions?

Was it an app you already have installed? The only time I've had that happen is when I tried to install a newer version of an app while still having the old one installed. Try a different app that you don't have.

10.2.1 is frikin' awesome!!! I've installed the Amazon Appstore as well as Snap, and I've download a bunch of Android apps, and they installed and are running absolutely flawlessly. Absolutely loving this. App Gap....GONE!

Not quite. In-app purchasing doesn't work with apps downloaded from Google Play, and you can't purchase apps from Google Play. You can do those things with Amazon App Store apps, but that store only has a fraction of all the Android apps available. Also, there are still A LOT of Android apps that don't work or aren't fully functional on BB10 devices. So we still have a long way to go. The only way the app gap will be gone is if developers port their apps over to BB10 and if Google will allow BlackBerry access to their store.

Thank you this information has been very helpful, trying out the "App Backup and Restore" works great being that I have an android tablet which mainly shows apps for phones. Loading the apps on my Z10 has been good. Tried snap the other day and didn't work but think I found out why and will give another try. My Z10 was set to not allow apps other than from blackberry world to load.

Can't believe some people actually waited this long before they could start using their phones to the fullest! I found my blackberry practically useless before I installed the 10.2.1 leak...
But anyway, welcome to the world little ones!
I recommend 1mobile! Its got everything u need.

What ever happened to LocalBar2 and LocalBarProxy? Those two together would allow sideloading of BAR files directly on the PlayBook without breaking out the USB cable and going to your PC. It ran over wifi. LocalBar2 appeared to run on BB10, but in my trials, it would get to 100% installed on BAR files then crash.

I have found 1mobile and the Amazon app store to be relatively out of date in terms of some apps I wanted (Myfitnesspal, etc.); is the Droid Store better at having up to date apps, comparable to the rate the Google Play Store gets them? Or is there a leg before it fetches it from Google Play?

Oh wait....WE ****ing DON'T!! saddest part is, I'm IN the USA. Yes, it's me. Another self loathing, inconsiderate, spiteful, arrogant, impatient fellow citizen of the good 'ol US. And I'll tell ya, I don't always, ALWAYS bitch when I don't get 10.2.1 before effing INDIA!! ....but when I do I questioned if they really needed it before myself and if I REALLY live in a first world country?

LMAO - classic comment!! HAHAHAHAHAHA I'm dying here!!!
A trick for Americans - tried it (10.1 days) with a friend of mine who visited me here (Toronto) from LA. He took a SIM card of mine which was for TELUS and all deactivated and sht.

Went back to the states, plugged in that SIM (obviously, no service), connected to WiFi and checked for updates, guess what - he got the OTA update.

Well, the OS version includes the core OS software, the radio, and all the individual files with their own numbers.

10.2.1.527 is the complete package, containing the 10.2.1.1925 OS, the 10.2.1.1988(I think I've got that right?) radio, etc. That's why when you install leaks they don't always come with an OS version: they're not a complete OS ready for distribution, just an update to the core files.

Snap is the best to use and also aptoide using the BB10 store. However when installing APK's if you back up your phone it will not back up the APK games and apps. SO the moment that the same app and game is in BB world I recommend you take off the existing apk file and delete it and install the one from BB since it will perform faster and is fully tested and will be backed up when performing a back up and restore.

It sends you messages when there are updates available for your apps. Unfortunately, it does not distinguish between an Android app and a BlackBerry app but the first time you get an update about an update for a BlackBerry you can tell it to ignore it and it won't remind you again.

Only for FREE Android Apps. If you want to buy an app you'll need the Amazon Store.... but I suggest you check to see if anyone else has been able to run the app, as only about 80% of Android Apps work on BB10.

You need to enable the direct install feature first. Go to Settings -> App Manager -> Installing apps and then enable 'Allow Apps from Other Sources to be installed'. I strongly recommend you to sideload SNAP and install APK from Google Play.

The Amazon Marketplace can be installed without sideloading, as it is just an .apk itself, and is available directly from Amazon.

Just make sure you've got your home location set properly, and not to, say, the UK, like I did, or it'll give you trouble downloading apps. Had to go into my amazon.co.uk settings on the Interwebs to fix that one.

lol I totally second that - anyone reading this please be very wary about downloading any of this crap onto your phone; even the Amazon appstore is full of crap that you don't want anywhere near your phone.

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